Kashmir BJP – BJP Distances Itself From Derogatory Slogans After Anantnag Rally Controversy

Kashmir BJP – The Jammu and Kashmir BJP has sought to distance itself from controversial slogans raised during a rally in Anantnag, saying the remarks do not reflect the party’s official position or ideology.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a clarification after a video from a Tiranga rally in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district triggered widespread criticism. The event, organised to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, came under scrutiny after some participants were heard raising slogans widely described as offensive towards Kashmiri women. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting sharp reactions from political leaders and civil society groups across the region.

Rally Video Draws Political Attention

The Tiranga rally was held at Anantnag Housing Colony under the leadership of senior BJP leader and former MLC Sofi Yousuf. During the procession, several participants allegedly chanted remarks referring to commonly used Kashmiri women’s names, Aazi and Fazi, in a manner that many considered insulting and disrespectful.

The slogans, reportedly raised in the presence of Sofi Yousuf, sparked controversy after the video gained significant attention online. Critics questioned why no immediate objection was raised during the event, leading to further public debate over the incident.

Opposition Leaders Condemn the Remarks

National Conference leader and Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo strongly criticised the slogans, describing them as an attack on the dignity of Kashmiri women rather than a matter of political disagreement. She said such language was unacceptable in democratic politics and urged the BJP’s local unit to issue an unconditional apology.

Itoo also argued that the controversy exposed a contradiction between the party’s public messaging on women’s welfare and the conduct witnessed during the rally. According to her, if the BJP genuinely disagreed with the slogans, it should support legal and disciplinary measures against those responsible instead of limiting its response to public statements.

Other Political Voices Join the Criticism

The issue also drew a response from Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Muddasir Hassan, who described the slogans as offensive and inconsistent with the cultural values of Kashmir. In a post on X, he questioned whether the slogans reflected the approval of the BJP leadership and called on the party to clarify its position.

He said the people of Kashmir deserve respect and urged the BJP to clearly explain whether the actions of the individuals involved represented the organisation’s official stand.

BJP Rejects Responsibility for the Slogans

Following the growing backlash, the Jammu and Kashmir BJP stated that the controversial remarks should not be linked to the party as an institution. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the BJP remains committed to protecting the dignity of women and continues to support the vision of women’s empowerment promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to Thakur, the slogans appeared to reflect the personal views or emotions of certain individuals rather than the official policy of the party or the leaders who participated in the rally. He stressed that the BJP neither supports nor endorses defamatory or disrespectful remarks directed at any individual or community.

Party Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Thakur further said the BJP believes political debate should remain respectful and centred on issues rather than personal attacks. He added that the party’s approach is guided by democratic principles, constitutional values and respect for every citizen.

Highlighting the party’s record on women’s representation, he referred to measures such as the provision for 33 percent reservation for women, saying these initiatives demonstrate the BJP’s long-term commitment to increasing women’s participation in public life. He added that the party would continue supporting policies aimed at advancing the social, political and economic empowerment of women across the country